Backspring gaps and long term use

Railsplitter

Railsplitter

Gold Member
Joined
Oct 31, 2010
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I know that none of us really like gaps in the backsprings of our knives. It suggests poor construction and a lack of quality control, especially if the gaps are wide.

I have a few knives with gaps in the backsprings but I have not returned them for repair or replacement.

My question is: Are these gaps asthetic issues only or do they have the potential to cause functional problems later on?

Can I trust a knife with gaps to perform as well as one without gaps over the long haul?

I know that I should return the knives but I'm wondering if I'm just too picky and if the gaps present a threat to the longevity of the knives.

Thanks.
 
I don't think they'll affect longevity; I clean & blow out all of my users with canned air about once a month, and the couple I have with gaps I use a feeler gauge to work out any crud that works it's way in there. Gaps are annoying, for sure, but I just make sure nothing gets stuck for a long period of time in that space, especially anything that might draw in moisture.

~Chris
 
Thanks, Chris.

Funny you should mention the feeler gauge. I was thinking about using one of those too.:thumbup:
 
They don't affect the knife at all. My 63032 had hard use over the years and it had a gap. I have more knives with gaps than without.IMO production slipjoints all have something that isn't perfect about them. The ones that are flawless are a joy to own if your lucky enough to find them.
 
navihawk said:
They don't affect the knife at all. My 63032 had hard use over the years and it had a gap. I have more knives with gaps than without.IMO production slipjoints all have something that isn't perfect about them. The ones that are flawless are a joy to own if your lucky enough to find them.
Click to expand...

Now there's a voice (er..fingers) of reason. The only thing I would wonder is what kind of gap are we talking about? Also, how much did you pay for the knife? I think those things make a difference, but that said, being able to see some light thru the knife doesn't seem like a big deal to me. It definitely won't effect it's use over the life of the knife that you will have the pleasure of using it.
 
KnifeHead said:
...but that said, being able to see some light thru the knife doesn't seem like a big deal to me. It definitely won't effect it's use over the life of the knife that you will have the pleasure of using it.
Click to expand...

So you're saying that when you've seen the light, "seeing some light" won't be a blight, unless it's a lot and then it might...?

:p
 
Blues said:
So you're saying that when you've seen the light, "seeing some light" won't be a blight, unless it's large and then it might...?

:p
Click to expand...

You're exactly right! But, I depends on your eyesight and if you are inspecting during day or night. ;)
 
KnifeHead said:
You're exactly right! But, I depends on your eyesight and if you are inspecting during day or night. ;)
Click to expand...

But, but, I'm too cheap to turn on the lights at my place to see the gaps in my slip joints and would even know if there were gaps, when I have switched from mineral oil to 5 wheel grease as a lube. :eek: :D

Yngwie Malmsteen - I'll See The Light Tonight

[youtube]y16UkdXQLgA[/youtube]
 
:) Thanks for the replies, folks.

I'm not worried about the gaps anymore. None of them are severe gaps so I'm just gonna use them as is.

Thanks for helping me see the light.:D
 
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